Prostate cancer research has made a groundbreaking discovery that could potentially save thousands of lives. Scientists have identified a new type of prostate cancer with the help of artificial intelligence, which could revolutionize how the disease is diagnosed and treated in the future.
The study, led by researchers at the University of Oxford and the University of Manchester, revealed that prostate cancer is not just one disease, but rather consists of two different subtypes. This finding could lead to personalized treatments for each patient based on the specific type of cancer they have.
Using AI to analyze changes in the DNA of prostate cancer samples from 159 patients, the team identified two distinct cancer groups and created an ‘evolutionary tree’ to show how each developed into two distinct disease types known as ‘evotypes’.
Lead researcher Dr. Dan Woodcock from the University of Oxford emphasized the importance of understanding how prostate tumors evolve along multiple pathways. This new classification method is based on the cancer’s evolution rather than individual gene mutations or expression patterns, providing a more accurate prognosis for each patient.
The international consortium, The Pan Prostate Cancer Group, analyzed genetic data from thousands of prostate cancer samples across nine countries to support this research. Their collaboration with Cancer Research UK aims to develop a genetic test that, when combined with conventional staging and grading, can tailor treatment decisions for prostate cancer patients.
Dr. Rupal Mistry, CRUK’s senior science engagement manager, highlighted the potential impact of this research on improving treatments for prostate cancer. Understanding the complexities of cancer is crucial for developing effective therapies, and this study has laid the foundation for further advancements in prostate cancer treatment.
